La Romana is one of the most famous cities in the Dominican Republic. This small resort town attracts tourists with its beautiful beaches, comfortable weather conditions and relatively affordable hotel prices. In addition, there is always something to see in La Romana, as there are many attractions near the city.
Holiday season in La Romana
The climate of this place is characterized by stable warm weather throughout the year. This fact is considered one of the clear advantages for visitors. The average air temperature in the winter months ranges from +27 to +29 degrees. Only in December are deviations from the norm within 5-7 degrees possible. At night, the air is cooled to +20 degrees. Also, during the winter season there is a minimum amount of precipitation. As for the temperature of the water in the sea, it is kept at around + 26-27 degrees all year round.
The hottest time in La Romana is summer, when the air warms up to +33 degrees. Since August, heavy rains and an increase in precipitation have been observed. In autumn, rains and winds intensify, bringing with it additional moisture. During this period, it is better to refrain from traveling to La Romana for those who can hardly tolerate the combination of hot weather with high humidity.
TOP-10 places in La Romana
Beaches
The pearl of the resort is the magnificent beaches that are scattered along the entire coastline. White sand, a gentle entrance to the water, tall palms, well-groomed areas - all this can be found on the beaches of La Romana. The most famous and visited beaches are:
- La Caleta is a favorite vacation spot for locals who spend most of their lives here. La Caleta has everything you need for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.
- Dominicus. Connoisseurs of quiet rest away from the bustle of the city go here. The beach is equipped with sun loungers, changing cabins, showers. Also in the beach area there is a cafe and a 24-hour rescue station.
- Bayahibe attracts tourists thanks to the presence of hotels, bars and clubs on the beach. If you prefer snorkeling, then there is no better beach for this in La Romana.
Chavon river
For centuries the Chavon River flows past the city, along which dense green thickets are concentrated. They are home to a variety of fauna and rare plants. The water area has repeatedly become a filming location for such famous films as "Rambo" and "Apocalypse Now".
An excursion program has been created for tourists, including a boat trip on the lake, several stops on the shore and acquaintance with the flora and fauna of Chavon. The route along the river's coastline is designed in such a way that visitors can see the vegetation in detail without harming it. For this purpose, movement along the coast occurs along paths equipped with low steps. While walking along the river, tourists are allowed to take unusual photos and try their hand at fishing.
Casa de Campo
This fashionable attraction appeared in La Romana 15 years ago and today has become the largest hotel and entertainment center in the Dominican Republic. The complex covers an area of 28 square kilometers, each corner of which is landscaped in accordance with international tourist standards.
Casa de Campo has a well-developed infrastructure that allows any tourist to feel comfortable. Hotels for all tastes, golf courses, helipads, villas, spas, a private port are just a few of what the resort can boast of.
Separately, it is worth noting the celebration of national holidays in the Casa de Campo. At this time, the resort turns into a wonderful world filled with national customs and rituals.
Dry cargo ship "St. George"
This unusual attraction is located near the pier of Bayahibe Beach. The ship sank back in the 80s of the 20th century and today is a popular diving site for scuba divers and divers. The dry cargo ship is located at a depth of 15 to 45 meters, so diving takes place in different places. For more experienced divers, it is suggested to dive to a depth of 25 meters to see the sunken ship with their own eyes.
If you have a little diving experience, then you will be offered a lightweight excursion that involves inspection of the upper deck of "St. George" and several cabins. The appearance of the ship, overgrown with algae and corals, resembles the scenery from an adventure film about pirates. Therefore, people like to photograph this attraction from different angles.
Altos de Chavon
Few historical sites have survived in La Romana. For this reason, the city authorities decided to design and completely rebuild a 15th century Spanish settlement. The implementation of this large-scale project began in the 90s of the 20th century. The result is a unique town in which the atmosphere of the past has been restored in detail. Cobbled streets, stone pavements and houses, openwork bridges - all this reflects the spirit of a bygone era.
Altos de Chavon is often called the city of artists and artisans, as you can rent a workshop there for a reasonable fee and live in it for several months. Especially in the summer, on the streets of the city you can see artists offering to paint your portrait. Local shops offer souvenirs and crafts at reasonable prices.
Church of St. Stanislaus
If you come to Altos de Chavon, be sure to visit the most famous Catholic church in the Dominican Republic. It was erected in 1979, after which regular services began in it. The shrine was built in the classic Spanish-Gothic style, as evidenced by the carved stone gates, gabled roof, round window openings, colored stained glass and other decorative elements. Pope John Paul II, during one of La Romana's visits, presented the church leadership with the remains of St. Stanislaus and 8 stone statues.
The interior of the temple is very modest, but this is what it is famous for among the locals. The altar is located in the center, on both sides of it there are wooden benches for parishioners. The church is known for the fact that stars of world cinema and show business prefer to get married in it.
Archaeological Museum
This attraction is also located in the town of Altos de Chavon and is worth a visit. The three-storey museum contains 4 expositions dedicated to different eras of the formation of the Dominican Republic. The collection of the first exposition includes more than 3000 unique exhibits found during archaeological excavations. The collection consists of household items, old clothes and tools, dishes, furniture, sculptures, papyrus scrolls and other objects of cultural heritage.
The second and third expositions tell about the historical past of the Dominican Republic and the development of the republic. The exhibition halls display documents, books and photographs. The theme of the last exposition is "Painting and Sculpture", so here you can get acquainted with paintings by famous artists and sculptures brought from different countries.
Anthropological caves
This amazing natural formation is located 10 kilometers from La Romana. After their discovery, the caves were taken under the protection of the Ministry of the Environment. After that, the authorities of the republic decided to create an underground tourist complex on their territory. The project was supervised by the Spanish architect Marcos Barinos, who managed to turn the caves into a unique tourist site in two years.
The first visitors descended into the caves in 2003 and appreciated their beauty. Inside the cave there are several halls, combined by underground rivers. Thousand-year-old stalagmites and stalactites hang from the ceiling, forming bizarre shapes. On the walls of the caves, drawings of the Taino Indian tribe were found, which are about 700 years old.
Garcia Tobacco Factory
The Dominican Republic is traditionally considered the largest supplier of cigars in the world, and La Romana is home to the oldest factory for the production of these tobacco products. The company is still operating and carefully preserves the old recipe. All cigars are handmade in the factory using mechanical equipment that existed many years ago.
Experienced guides will lead a fascinating tour in English. During the excursion, visitors can see the production process in detail, find out what types of tobacco are used to make cigars and take part in a master class. At the exit from the factory, there is a shop selling cigar sets and related accessories.
Catalina Island
Many islands are concentrated around La Romana, among which Catalina stands out. This is a snow-white paradise for tourists with sea water that changes color from turquoise to blue. The island's territory is small, but it has pristine beaches and the largest snorkeling training center in the Dominican Republic. If you wish, you can take a full course and receive an international certificate.
After snorkeling, tourists go to local restaurants to taste national cuisine. Chefs of some restaurants give master classes, during which they teach how to properly prepare the most popular Dominican dishes.
